Method and apparatus for providing cross-channel programming

ABSTRACT

Within a digital television environment comprising an operator, a distribution network, at least one set-top box, the set-top box is communicatively associated with at least one viewing device, an apparatus and method for using interactive applications within a digital television environment, the apparatus and method assisting in implementing cross channel programming such as used within typical channel, the apparatus and method comprising an interactive digital application loaded and executed within the at least one set-top box for registering viewers for timely channel change associated with pre-determined route built by centralized server.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providingcross channel programming through digital television interactiveapplications, in general and to a method and apparatus enabling a viewerto view a television channel comprising of cross channel scheduleprogramming from a plurality of other television channels, inparticular.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-channel television consisting of a plurality of channelsbroadcasted over a distribution network such as satellite, cable orterrestrial is known in the art. Traditionally, a television channel isconstructed by content experts, called programmers, bringing theirexperience and knowledge into selecting the best programs to build achannel based on the content available, time of broadcast, such asmorning, prime-time or the like, target viewers such as kids, family,elderly or the like, genre and the like. In the multi-channelenvironment television service providers offer hundred and morechannels, channels are increasingly becoming genre oriented. Forexample, service providers offer music channels, channels providingprogramming about nature, science or sports, news channels and the like.Service providers also target audience based on group age and interests.Channels are offered for kids or for the family, for teenagers or women.Such channels are rarely viewed continuously program after program athome. The variety of channels and program selection presents a decisionproblem to the viewer of selecting the next best suitable orentertaining program. The overwhelming number of television channelscurrently offered creates an entertainment overload that present adifficultly on the viewers' choice. Currently available mechanisms toenable viewers to select programs for viewing include an enhanced remotecontrol for zapping and electronic or interactive programming guidesshowing on-screen information about the television schedule. Such toolsrequire a typical viewer to “work” with the remote control constantly inorder to search for the next program to the viewer's choice and do notassist in the viewer's need to valuate and find an entertainingselection of programs. Thus for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,983discloses a scheme for margin television schedule information receivedfrom multiple sources. The schedule information is displayed in atelevision schedule guide. A user can select a program by pointing to aparticular program in the displayed schedule information. The systemthen carries out an automatic switching or tuning such that the requiredsource device is input to the destination device, and a tuner is thentuned to the selected programs channel. U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,556discloses an electronic program schedule system wherein a user controlapparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer tochoose user control commands and transmit signals in response to thedata processor which receives the said signals in response to usercontrol commands. A television receiver is used to display thetelevision programs and television program schedule information. A videodisplay generator receives video control commands from the dataprocessor and program schedule information from the memory and displaysa portion of the program schedule information in overlaying relationshipwith a television program appearing on a television channel in at leastone mode of operation of the television programming guide.

The viewer's knowledge about the television programs is based on theinformation provided through the electronic program guide, which isseverely limited. Viewers are not expected to posses the skills andknowledge of television programmers and content experts. In addition,audience guidance systems that suggest a next program based on thetracking history of viewing habit, limits the selection only to thechannels and programs viewed previously. U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,920discloses a program information storing section storing programinformation. A program information search section searches the programinformation stored in the program information storing section accordingto designated search conditions and produces personalized programinformation resulting from the search. A program guide display sectiondisplays a program guide including a personal programming scheduleconsisting of the resultant program information. Thus, the receivingapparatus allows users to display their personal programming preferencesand selections according to their defined search conditions.

Some audience television guiding implementations, gather personalizedinformation about viewers thus invading their privacy. It may alsorequire the viewer to interact through the remote control or, in someimplementations, require establishing a return channel to pass suchinformation to a centralized management location, which creates amassive load over the return channel network due to the widespread oftelevision.

Purchasing content, such as channels, programs or television shows is amajor expenditure of a television service provider. Content is carefullysearched and purchased in order to provide better and entertainingofferings. The task is risky and difficult to perform and, if notconstantly renewed and renovated, may even lead to low viewersatisfaction and low competitive offering. Successful selection ofprograms from the various channels provides high level of entertainmentoffering to the viewer and better utilizes the investment in channelsand programs made by the television service provider. Viewer or customersatisfaction leads to reduction in churn and thus reduces acquisitioncosts and lower operating costs since a typical business loses abouthalf its customers' base every five years. On average, the cost ofacquiring a new customer is five to ten times greater than the cost ofretaining a current customer. Therefore, service providers seek toretain customers rather than acquiring new ones.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for creating andoffering new channels and new viewing experiences which will assist theviewer in making the selection which programs to view while preservingthe viewer's satisfaction and television passive viewing experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be used within a digital televisionenvironment comprising an operator head end, a distribution network, atleast one set-top box, the set-top box is communicatively associatedwith at least one viewing device.

One aspect of the present invention regards an apparatus for usinginteractive applications within a digital television environment, theapparatus comprising an interactive application loaded and executedwithin the at least one set-top box processing the interactiveapplication, accesses to memory resources and the synchronizes channelchanging according to the information retrieved from the memoryresource.

The apparatus further comprises a cross-channel scheduler server locatedat the service provider center for building cross-channel programmingroute options loaded into the interactive applications.

Another aspect of the invention relates to producing dedicatedtelevision channel (or channels) that will fill in the time gaps betweenthe end of one program to the beginning of another. The channel caninclude, for example, a narrator or a celebrity that will providehosting between the programs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical section of a televisionprogramming guide in a digital television system environment, known inthe art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one route of viewing based on atypical section of television program schedule, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of multiple routes of viewing basedon a typical section of television program schedule, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a route with a time gap channelthat fills programming time between route-selected programs, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of multiple routes with time gapchannels that fills between route-selected programs, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of multiple routes sharing a singletime gap channel, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a typical digital televisionsystem and environment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a general overview of the programming scheduler apparatus ofthe present invention according to one preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the Join a RideApplication, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the RideApplication, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary screen displays showing the on-screen selectionprocess in a gap filler channel having more than one ride; FIG. 12 is aschematic illustration of the configuration of the channel rider server,in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this document the following terms shall have themeaning defined herein:

-   “Operator” is a service provider that provides digital television to    viewers. The operator may broadcast digital television service by    cables (CATV), satellite (DBS), terrestrial (DTT), Digital    Subscriber Line (DSL) or another way of communication.-   “STB” or “Set Top Box” is a device connected to a television set    through which television signals are transmitted to a television    screen, the STB comprise a central processing unit and a memory    device. The STB may execute computer programs in association with    the central processing unit and the memory device, the television    screen being an output device. The viewer may interact with the STB    to determine the channel viewed. The viewer may also interact with    the STB through a remote control that facilitates television viewing    and interactive services. Some STBs are capable of using a return    channel to transfer information from an STB to the Operator's    center. The return channel may comprise a telephone line, cable, DSL    line, and the like.-   “Applications” are computer programs executed by STBs and are also    referred to as interactive applications. Typical Applications are    executed by the STB and the output from the execution is typically    displayed on the television screen. Such may include presenting text    and graphics in an overlay on top of the video signal. The    Applications are also typically programmed to receive selections    from a remote control, monitor and control the presented channel and    the like. To the viewer, the interactive content appears as    graphical, text and informational images on the screen overlaying a    video broadcast. The overlaying can be displayed in any shape,    color, size or position. Often such images are opaque and cover the    video broadcast in part, or transparent or semi-transparent.    Specific reoccurring interactive content images include icons,    banners, labels, menus images, and pictures. Application may be    non-visual and handle events such as time measuring, channel change,    pay-TV purchases and the like within a STB to grant Credits.-   “Electronic Program Guide” or “EPG” is an Application designed for    STBs that enables the viewer to view in graphic form information    about the various programs distributed by the Operator. The viewer    may use the remote control for selecting a channel and receive    program information. The EPG may also be used in connection with    pay-TV, Pay-Per-View, and can function as a parental rating control,    booking a reminder on future programs, setup viewing preferences and    the like.-   “Digital Television” or “DTV” is the broadcasting of a digital    television picture, sound, and data. The technique is based on    standards such as digital video broadcasting (DVB) and the like.

Recent advances in digital television delivery technology enabledelivery of television broadcast as well as software application to aviewing terminal such as the STB. This technology is often referred toas interactive digital television or interactive television. Interactivetelevision enables the user to view a television (video and audio) feedcombined with download and execution of software application by a STBprocessor. The software is able to access and use STB resources and, inparticular, monitor and control the presented channel, handle remotecontrol actions and the like. In many cases the STB is able to sendinformation in the upstream direction to the digital televisionOperator's head end or to other aggregation center via dedicated returnchannel or via other means, such as a telephone line and the like. Whilethe interactive television technology is available, only limited use isbeing made of this technology. Most interactive television operatorswould typically use this capability for providing an EPG to the viewer.In some instances rudimentary services such as weather forecast, voting,sports, statistics, and simple games are also offered.

The present invention provides a programming scheduler apparatus andmethod (PSA) using Applications in DTV or interactive television thatapplies hardware and software modules for providing cross channelprogramming. The cross channel programming creates a new televisionchannel, which provides a viewing experience through creating viewingroutes that pre-selects programs from multiple existing channels. Thecreation of a route is created at the Operator's head end. From theviewer's point of view, a program from one channel follows anotherprogram, from the same or other channel, comprising the new viewingchannel. The PSA ability to offer new channels can affect thespectator's watching habits while keeping the passive nature oftelevision watching, increase the Operator's Average Revenue Per User(ARPU) by offering to purchase the created channels, increase viewersatisfaction and thus reduce churn and create differentiation ofservices toward potential competitors (e.g. Satellite vs. Cable).Furthermore the PSA provides an apparatus for creating and selectingmultiple routes experienced as channels, in parallel, and offers theviewers through re-use of already-broadcasted content a selection ofroutes to better suite their needs, offer guided viewing, theme routes(e.g. channel on New-York) and the like. The PSA of the presentinvention does not require from the viewer to search for programs or usethe remote control in order to move from one channel to another,instead, a viewer is given the ability to join or leave a viewing routeat any given time, similar to the experience of a regular channel. ThePSA presents the programs to be viewed one after the other and ispreferably implemented within the set top box (STB) at the premises ofthe subscriber through interactive application implementation.

Simply stated, the present invention provides a system that createsroutes for viewing comprising a selection of programs from multipleexisting channels broadcasted at the same time the route is viewed. Theroute also comprises a connecting sequences channel or a gap fillerchannel that fills the time gap between the programs making up theroute. The connecting sequences can be video footage or a digitaloverlay or a digital stream of video or audio presenting or introducingthe next program to be viewed. The gap filler channel also comprisesApplications for controlling the STB to tune the viewer to programmingoffered by the Operator on other channels and introduced by theconnecting sequences. The existing channels, viewed in a route includeApplications for re-tuning the STB back to the gap filler channel forcontinued viewing of the next connecting sequence once a program on theexisting channel has ended, thus the viewer experience is that ofviewing a single channel. A selection of programs as described above isdefined as a route, constructed by the Operator and offered to theviewer. The viewer selection of such a route will initiate a ride of theprograms in the route. The ride is the STB actions in order to followthe route.

The PSA uses the notion of Ride for achieving its goals of creating newchannels and viewing experience for affecting viewers watching habits ofDTV. According to the present invention viewers can join a Ride, inseveral different ways. Once the viewer selects to join a Ride, thepre-selected route of programs is presented one after the otherautomatically. The viewer is able to leave a Ride in several differentways in any given time and return to a normal mode of watching anyprogram in any channel. Since the PSA pre-selected route is based onexisting scheduling of channels that may originate from differentsources and may have no scheduling match of beginning and ending ofprograms, selected programs in a route may overlap, even partially, oneanother or may have a time gap between the end of one program to thebeginning of the next. The present invention provides the ability todetermine the route viewing in case of overlapping programs—either startviewing the next program at the end of the first program or at thebeginning of the next program. In case of time gap, a dedicated channelcan be added to offer audiovisual filler that can include live orpre-recorded hosting and guiding (such as media stars, celebrities orselected viewers), narrating, advertisements, interactive channel andthe like.

According to the present invention both viewers and Operators benefitfrom the advantages of the present invention. The viewers will benefitby easing the decision-making and receiving valuated selection ofprograms better suit their needs (e.g. theme, guidance) which viewerswill have to scout over the multi-channel offering, through zapping, oruse of the EPG, to try to locate and select a program from the vastselection of programs. The Operators will benefit as well by offeringnew channels and new services of program selections made by aprofessional programmers, media stars or celebrities from the existingpurchased and delivered content with little or no impact on distributionnetwork bandwidth.

PSA helps the Operator to increase viewers' satisfaction and reduce chumwhich leads to reduced acquisition costs and lowered operating costssince a typical business loses about half its customers' base every fiveyears. On average, the cost of acquiring a new customer is five to tentimes greater than the cost of retaining a current customer. It iseasier and cheaper for the Operator to retain a customer than acquire anew customer. In addition, PSA helps the Operator to createdifferentiation of services, such as in programs that may also beprovided by the Operator's competitors, by adding new viewing routesthus creating new (and unique) channels.

The apparatus and method of the present invention are operative in a DTVenvironment. The DTV environment comprise an Operator's head enddistributing television channels and service using modulated and encodeddigital signals along a distribution cable, radio frequencies oralternatively via satellite. The digital channels and signals aredemodulated and decoded in the receiving STB and displayed on a displayscreen such as a television screen. Along with the television channelaudio-video information, the digital signal may contain data for subtitles, EPG information, interactive application code and data and thelike. Viewer's interacting with the STB may use a remote control deviceto control the EPG, change channels, view program information, purchasea pay-tv program, present television program schedule, and book areminder to a future program and the like. Such a typical section of thetelevision program schedule is shown in FIG. 1. The television programschedule is comprised of horizontal and vertical representation oftelevision programs being broadcast through the DTV network along a timeaxis. For each of the listed multiple channels 101, 103, 105, 107 in theleft column a series of television programs are uniquely markedaccording to the planned time of broadcast 111, 113, 115, 117, 119. Asan example, for Channel 1, at 10:00, a program 1001 is scheduled tobroadcast followed by program 1002 and so on. Likewise televisionprograms are shown continuously on channels 2 (103), channel 3 (105) andso forth on N channels (107). Such schedule can be created for exampleby traffic and planning system. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that the channel numbers represent digital services such asdefined in the ETSI EN 300 468 (DVB-SI) standard containing multiplePIDs of video, audio subtitle, applications and the like. The channelnumbers shown are exemplary and other like or different number may beused.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 that shows one route of viewing based ona typical section of television program schedule. The shown route is acompilation of programs distributed through various channels from theOperator's head end to subscribers. The shown route starts at 10:00 inprogram number 1001 (121) on channel 1. At the end of this program, at12:20, program number N002 (123), from channel N is selected and followsthis program at 12:00 program 2003 (125) from channel 2 is selected.Finally program 3004 (127) on channel 3 is selected. The selection ofprogram in such route, one after the other, creates continues viewing ofprogram after program similar to a regular channel.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 that shows multiple routes of viewingbased on a typical section of television program schedule. The firstroute shown was described in association with FIG. 2. The second routeshown includes program 3001 (131) on channel 3, program 2002 (133) onchannel 2, program 1003 (135) on channel 1 and program N004 (137) onchannel N. The second route includes program N001 (139) on channel N andprogram 1003 (141) on channel N. The routes, as shown in the drawing,may have a selection of the same programs for different routes, such asprogram 1003 (135, 141), whereas the rest of the route can havedifferent selection of programs. Since the route is based on existingscheduling of channels that may originate from different sources,selected programs in a route may overlap, even partially, one another.For example, program 1003 (135) on channel 1 and program N004 (137)overlap, while a time gap exists between the end of program N001 (139)on channel N and the beginning of program 1003 (141) on channel 1. Incase of overlapping programs in a route, the PSA operator may decidewhether the first program 1003 (135) will be viewed until it ends andthen move to the next program N004 (137) that already have started ormove from the first program (135) before it ends but view the nextprogram (137) from the its beginning.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 that shows a route with a time gapchannel that fills programming time between route-selected programs. Inaccordance with the present invention a new channel is generated toprovide the user with the route viewing experience. The new dedicatedchannel can be produced and broadcasted to act as gap filler. The timegaps can be filled with connecting sequences which may comprisecelebrity hosting or introduction of programs, commercials, or any otherfiller based on video or data broadcast to the viewer. In anotherexample the gap filler can be a game broadcast to the viewer for alimited time, or a survey or a request to choose from a selection ofupcoming programs. The time gap channel is a channel that is produced inorder to maintain continues experience of a regular channel. At the endof program 3001 (131) on channel 3, the viewer will be watching the timegap channel N+1 (142) until the beginning of the next program in theroute, program 2002 (133) on channel 2. Likewise when program 2002 (133)on channel 2 terminates, gap filler 144 on channel N+1 (142) will bedistributed and viewed by the subscriber. When gap filler 144 terminatesthe viewer will be view program 1003 (135) on channel 1 and because notime gap is exists the viewer will view program N004 (137) on channel Nimmediately thereafter and there is no need to use the gap filler 144 onchannel N+1 (142). The time gap channel may have a number as a regularchannel (N+1) and may be an audiovisual channel, interactive channel orthe like. The time gap channel enables to create new and originalviewing experience such as hosted and guided program viewing. Thechannel can include, for example, a celebrity that will provide live orpre-recorded audiovisual filler of hosting between the programs thatwill guide through the viewing selection.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 showing multiple routes with time gapchannels that fills between route-selected programs. A time gap channel(142, 151, 155) is added to each of the routes in order to maintaincontinues experience of a regular channel in each route. As shown above,in a first route beginning with program 3001 (131) distributed onchannel 3, at the end of program, the viewer will be watching the timegap channel N+1 (142) until the beginning of the next program in theroute, program 2002 (133) on channel 2. In a second route, the viewerwill be first watching program N001 (139) and then time gap channel N+2(151) and connecting sequence 153 before the beginning of program 1003(141) on channel 1. In a third route, only at the end of program 2003(156), the viewer will be watching the time gap channel N+3 (155) untilthe beginning of the next program in the route, program 3004 (158) onchannel 3. Different routes can point to the same program at any giventime such as demonstrated in program 1003 (135, 141) on channel 1. Boththe first and second routes will present this program at the same timeafter the gap fillers (connecting sequences) 144, 153 on channel N+2(151) and channel N+3 (155). At the end of program 1003 (141) on channel1 both routes can split again and point to different programs, such thatthe first route will now show program N004 (137) on channel N and thesecond route will now show gap filler or connecting sequence 154 onchannel N+2 (151).

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 where multiple routes share a singletime gap channel is shown. Instead of providing a single new channel foreach route, a more limited number of new channels (or gap fillerchannels) can be provided. In the present example shown in associationwith FIG. 6 channel N+3 (155) of FIG. 5 is merged with channel N+1 (142)of FIG. 5. The merged channel N+1 (160) of FIG. 6 provides a single timegap channel for more than one route in order to maintain continuesexperience of a regular channel in each the first and the third route.In the first route at the end of program 3001 (131) on channel 3, theviewer will be watching the time gap filler or connecting sequence 143on channel N+1 (160) until the beginning of the next program in theroute, program 2002 (131) on channel 2. In the third route, after theprogram 2003 (156) on channel 2, the viewer will be watching the timegap filler or connecting sequence 157 on channel N+1 (160) before thebeginning of program 3004 (158) on channel 3. In the example shown herethe gap filler channel N+2 is maintained because gap fillers 144 and 153conflict and cannot be distributed on the same channel. It will beappreciated that one gap filler channel may be used for more than tworoutes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 that shows a typical DTV system 10. DTVsystem 10 is used for broadcasting television channels and Applications.DTV system 10 is comprised of an Operator 24, a distribution network 28and a plurality of STBs 18, 20 and 22. STBs 18, 20 and 22 are eachconnected to display apparatus 12, 14 and 16 respectively such astelevision screens and communicate with remote control units (RCU) 25,26 and 27 respectively such as wireless (infrared) remote control. Theillustration shown is simplified, but a person skilled in the art willappreciate that numerous Operators and STBs may be located within onePSA. Distribution network 28 is typically a cable televisionbroadcasting system (CATV), a satellite broadcasting system (DBS) or aterrestrial broadcasting system (DTT) but can be also othercommunication networks such as DSL, the Internet, Cellular, LAN, WAN orlike other networks having an analog or data signal transfer capability.DTV signals originating from Operator 24 are distributed throughdistribution network 28 to a plurality of STBs 18, 20, 22 which displaythe signals on screens 12,14,16 respectively. The STBs 18, 20, 22 canhandle events originating from RCUs 25, 26, 27. Applications aredownloaded to the STB, in parallel to television audio-visual signals.Once downloaded, an Application is executed by the STB centralprocessing unit (not shown). The viewer can respond using keys in theRCU, which will communicate actions through the STB hardware to theApplication. The television viewing is normally accomplished using thestandard display device such as television set. In yet anotherembodiment, the interaction with the viewer may be accomplished using apersonal computer designed to execute the Application and/or present theApplication text and graphics over the PC or PC connected displaydevice. Downloaded applications may be communicated to the PC fordisplay or execution. The viewer may respond using input devicesconnected to a PC such as keyboard, mouse and the like, which willcommunicate the actions to STB.

Referring now to FIG. 8 which shows a general overview of the aprogramming scheduler apparatus, according to one preferred embodimentof the present invention. PSA 30 includes an Operator head end 34 thatis connected to STB 32 via a distribution network 58. STB 32communicates with RCU 52 and sends television or audio/visual signals(such as UHF, Composite Video, RGB and the like) to display screen 50that can be a television set or any other screen having the ability topresent such signals. STB 32 uses display 50 to present Applicationgraphics and data on the screen mixed together with the televisionsignals such as can be viewed in association with FIG. 11 describedbelow. In another embodiment, the Application graphics and data can becommunicated from a STB 32 to a remote control device 52 comprising adisplay there within. In accordance with the present invention, theOperator head end 34 is connected to a channel rider server (CRS) 46.The channel rider server 46 can be positioned either within the Operatorhead end 34 or at a remote location linked via standard communicationnetworks such as LAN, WAN, the Internet and the like networks. Thescheduled information is passed to play out center 42 for controllingautomation systems in local originated device 47 containing videoserver, video tape players and the like. The television program scheduleinformation is also passed from traffic and planning device 40 tobroadcast system 38 to supply the EPG with the program information. Thechannel rider server 46 in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention receives scheduling information from traffic and planningdevice 40. The scheduling information contains channels and televisionprogram information such as channel number, program start time and thelike. The channel rider server 46 enables route building through agraphical user interface (GUI) and creates an Application that containsthe pre-determined route. According to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the connection between the viewer's STB 32 and thechannel rider server 46 is performed through the Operator head end 34.Operator head end 34 includes a broadcast system 38, traffic andplanning device 40, a Play out Center 42 and application transmissiondevice 44. The Play out Center 42 includes a transmission matrix device49, external TVRO device 48 and a local originated device 47.

The STB 32 can be a SkyB Digibox manufactured by Pace Digital Technologyfrom Shipley West, Yorkshire, UK or like systems. The broadcast system38 can be such a Television System 3000 manufactured by TandbergTelevision from Southampton, UK or like systems. The applicationtransmission device 44 can be an OpenStreamer manufactured by OpenTVfrom Mountain View, Calif., U.S.A. or like systems. The traffic andplanning device 40 can be IBMS such as manufactured by Pilat-Media fromWembley, Middlesex, UK or like systems. The Play out center device 42can be a Play out Center and Automation manufactured by Sony fromBasingstoke, UK or like systems. The transmission matrix can be aHDSX5800 manufactured by Sony from Park Ridge, N.J., USA or likesystems. The local originated device 47 are audiovisual channelsoriginating from video tape player such as the J1/902 or video serverssuch as MAV70XGI manufactured by Sony from Park Ridge, N.J., USA or likesystems. The external TVRO device 48 are audiovisual channels receivedfrom external broadcasters through satellite, fiber optics, cables orlike systems. Such channel is Cable News Network LP (CNN) from Atlanta,Ga., USA.

In accordance with the present invention, the STB 32 is provided with aChannel Rider Application (CRA) 59. The CRA 59 is an Applicationprogram, which can be stored within the STB 32 by the manufacturer ordownloaded by the operator head end 34 into the STB 32. The CRA 59enables the viewer to: (a) join a Ride (b) automatically takes theviewer from one television program to the other according to the routemade by the channel rider server 46 (c) leave a Ride and return toregular viewing. CRA 59 is loaded onto application transmission device44. The application transmission device 44 stores and managesApplications. Applications are typically created using STB 32 nativeprogramming language software development tools and uploaded toapplication transmission device 44 that formats the application code anddata into broadcasting format. According to the present embodiment theapplication transmission device 44 is a periodic cyclic transmissionmechanism that manages the process of inserting the Application code anddata into the broadcast stream, such as MPEG-2 ISO 13818-6: DSM-CC orthe like. The application transmission device 44 can be any othersuitable mechanism for downloading or broadcasting of Applications codeand date to viewer's STBs. The application transmission device 44 sendsstored Applications through broadcast system 38 and distribution network58 to STBs located along the network. Though in FIG. 8 only one STB 32is shown connected to Operator head end 34, according to the presentembodiment a plurality of STBs can be connected to operator head end 34,all simultaneously operative to execute the CRA 59 of the presentinvention. Distribution network 58 can include but is not limited tobroadband cable and hybrid fiber cable networks, satellite networks,terrestrial networks, high-speed telephone line services (such as DSL),wireless cable, wireless Digital Television system, and the like. TheOperator controls the broadcasting content using play out center 42.Play out center 42 creates, monitors and controls television programsand channels that are delivered to STB 32 and displayed on screen 50.Local originated device 47 provides audiovisual channels originatingfrom video tape players or video servers. Local originated device 47outputs the channels signals to transmission matrix 49 inputs. Oneformat used by local originated device 47 is the SDI format—SerialDigital Interface signal format. External TVRO device 48 producesaudiovisual channels received from external broadcasters throughsatellite, such as satellite dish with a professional STB, fiber opticswhich typically originate from local channels, sports fields and thelike, cables or like systems. External TVRO device 48 outputs thechannels signals to transmission matrix 49 inputs. Transmission matrix49 is typically a computer-controlled matrix enabling flexibleconnecting of input to outputs. The matrix typically enables toautomatically switch redundant secondary input source in case primaryinput fails. The outputs are connected to broadcast system 38 thatcompresses, multiplexes, modulates and broadcasts the data. Broadcastsystem 38 can include a conditional access to encrypt the data streamsuch as VideoGuard provided by NDS, Staines Middlesex, UK in order toenable pay television services. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, the compression of the data can be accomplishedaccording to the MPEG-2 standard (ISO 13818), although other likestandards can be used as well. Transmitted signal to STB 32 according toone embodiment of the present invention includes the following data:clock, services and channels information, multiple audio tracks,multiple video channels, conditional access information, EPG data,subtitling, teletext, control and management information and Applicationdata. The transmission performed is synchronized using a centralizedclock system distributed within all operator head end 34 components (notshown). Once all the relevant data has been compressed, multiplexed andmodulated by broadcast system 38, it is transmitted via deliverymechanism 55 and distribution network 58 to STB 32. According to thepresent preferred embodiment STB 32 receives the transmitted signal anddemodulates, demultiplexes, decrypts and decompresses said signal. STB32 reconstructs the respective portions of the signal, which maycomprise video, audio, Application, and other broadcast data. During thetime the Application is broadcasted, STB 32 loads and executes theApplication while the audio-video information—the normal televisionsignal—is conveyed to the television set. STB 32 executes Applicationsusing hardware and software components that are compliant with theApplications code and data within the STB 32. For example, if theApplication is written in HTML code, then STB 32 will include an HTMLinterpreter, such as a browser or the like. Alternatively a uniqueclient may interpret the Application for display and interaction withthe viewer. The STB 32 includes a central processing unit and a memorydevice, which may be combined in a microcontroller or providedseparately. Typically, the viewer actions such as pressing a key in theRCU 52 (remote control unit) are received by STB 32. The RCU 52 can be astandard wireless remote control supplied with the STB 32. The RCU 52can include a pointing device such as a mouse device, a wirelesskeyboard or a like device which enables making a selection according topresented options. STB 32 receives commands from RCU 52 and passes thecommands as events to be handled by the Application.

The present invention divides the cross channel route Applicationfunctionality into three:

-   -   (a) Join a Ride—The function offered to the viewer by STB 32 on        Display 50 to actively start a Ride, optionally from plurality        of Rides.    -   (b) Ride—The function to provide automatic channel changing        according to a Route without viewer interaction (passive        experience).    -   (c) Leave a Ride—The function offered to the viewer to actively        stop the Ride function and return to regular television watching        experience.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an Applicationthat provides the functionality to join a ride is broadcasted togetherwith a gap filler channel.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 that shows the flow of the Join a RideApplication. In accordance with the present invention, in order to joina ride the viewer must tune the STB to a channel providing throughdownload the Join a Ride Application. This channel is preferably the gapfiller channel. In step 500 upon tuning to the gap filler channel, theJoin a Ride Application, which is constantly broadcasted in thischannel, is loaded and starts its execution. In step 502, if the gapfiller channel enables more than one Ride, then the Application proceedsto step 504 and presents on-screen options and receives viewer'sselection through the remote control unit. In step 506 the viewerselects a ride from the on-screen options presented to him. If in step502 the gap filler channel enables only one ride the Applicationproceeds to step 508. In step 508 the Join a Ride Application stores inthe STB memory the Ride number assigned uniquely by the channel riderserver 46. The Application also stores the currently selected channel ofthe Ride and changes the STB channel to that channel. As a result theviewer tuning to a gap filler channel is automatically directed to theprogram now showing as part of the selected Ride. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, an Application that provides thefunctionality to Ride through a pre-determined Route is broadcasted atthe end of each television program.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10 showing the flow of the RideApplication. As explained above once a viewer enters a gap fillerchannel, the Join a Ride Application directs the viewer's STB to theappropriate channel for watching the program now selected for the Ridewatched. At the end of the television program the viewer's STB is stilltuned to the channel where the program was broadcasted. Since theprogram now ended is a part of a Ride, in step 520 the CRS broadcaststhe Ride Application, for a short period of time over the channel wherethe last program was broadcasted. The Ride Application is loaded andstarts its execution. In step 522 the Application retrieves from the STBmemory the Ride's current channel number and in step 524 the Applicationdetermines which channel is being viewed. In step 526 the Applicationchecks if the STB is tuned to the Ride channel. If the STB is not tunedto the Ride channel than the Application in step 536 clears the Ride andchannel number from the STB Memory. This means that the viewer has leftthe Ride and returned to regular channel viewing. If, on the other hand,the Ride's channel number is equal to the currently tuned channel, theApplication in step 528 retrieves a list of Ride number and Next channeldata pairs that determine the next channel and thus the next program ofthe Route according to the viewer's selected Ride. In steps 530, 532,534 the Application checks the Ride Number selected. If the Ride numberis not found in the list, the viewer has left the Ride, and in step 536the Ride and channel number are deleted from the STB Memory and the STBreturns to regular channel viewing. If the Ride number is found in steps530, 532, 534, the Application in step 538 retrieves the next channelnumber associated with the Ride channel number. Next, in step 540 theApplication stores the Ride next channel in the STB memory and in step542 automatically tunes the STB to the next channel in the Route. Theimplementation of the Ride Application as described above, does notrequire the application to be broadcasted continuously thus reducingbandwidth usage and enabling other applications to be broadcasted beforeor after the Ride Application. Another benefit of the present inventionis the Leave a Ride function that eliminates the need for dedicatedapplication to perform this task.

According to the present embodiment the cross channel route is activatedthrough the channel rider server 46 which defines the route based onexisting television schedule and acts as a management system conveyingthe Application the Route information that instructs the STB to move ortune from one program to another at the defined time according to theRoute. The Application complies with the STB's native programminglanguage used such as HTML, C, Java, and others. In the preferredembodiment, the CRS 46 generates the Route information of the RideApplication. For each channel, from the information received fromTraffic & Planning device 40, a table of scheduled programs with theend-time is built. An exemplary schedule in the form of a table is shownin table 1. As can be seen from the exemplary Table 1 for each channelprogram identification and program end-time is provided. For each gapfiller channel the route information is provided. TABLE 1 ChannelChannel Channel Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel N N + 1 N + 2 N +3 Prog Time Prog Time Prog Time Prog Time Time Time Time 1001 12:00 200111:50 3001 11:30 N001 12:00 11:50 11:30 1002 12:45 2002 13:20 3002 12:50N002 13:00 1003 14:00 2003 13:45 3003 13:45 N003 14:15 14:15 13:20 100415:00 2004 15:05 3004 15:20 N004 15:10

From the scheduled programming Routes are built for each Ride. The Routecan be built using the CRS 46 GUI. An exemplary list of programs andRoutes for each Ride is described in Table 2. TABLE 2 Next CurrentChannel Channel Ride Number Number Time Number 1 1 12:00 N 1 N 13:00 N +3 1 N + 3 13:20 2 1 2 13:45 3 2 3 11:30 N + 1 2 N + 1 11:50 2 2 2 13:20N 2 N 14:15 N 3 N + 2 11:30 3 3 3 12:50 1 3 1 14:00 N + 2 3 N + 2 14:15N

The CRS 46 builds, according to the above information, data structuresbroadcasted with the Ride Application code. One exemplary data structureis shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Channel Channel Channel Channel 1 Channel 2Channel 3 Channel N N + 1 N + 2 N + 3 Time Data Time Data Time Data TimeData Time Data Time Data Time Data 12:00 1, N 11:50 —, — 11:30 2, N + 112:00 —, — 11:50 2, 2 11:30 3, 3 12:45 —, — 13:20 2, N 12:50 3, 1 13:001, N + 3 14:00 3, N + 2 13:45 1, 3 13:45 —, — 14:15 2, N 14:15 3, N13:20 1, 2 15:00 —, — 15:05 —, — 15:20 —, — 15:10 —, —

The data in Table 3 can be represented as data pair structures expressedin pairs or R,N (Ride number, Next channel number). Additionalparameters such as time and group/cluster can be provided and sent tothe STB as well. The -,- signs provide null fields which means thatthere is no Route applied at that time for this program. The data cancontain plurality of R,N pairs which exists when the same program is inthe Route of more than one Ride. The Join a Ride Application uses theR,N pairs to start the Ride. The R,N pair of that application areupdated every time the Ride is changing a channel, as can be seen inTable 2, for example. Where more than one ride is handled by aparticular gap filler channel, the Join a Ride Application presents anoption to the viewer to join a ride whereby the viewer is requested tomake a selection by pressing a key in the remote control. The selectionto be made is from the various rides available in the gap fillerchannel. The viewer may leave the ride by switching to another channelor by depressing a predetermined key over the remote control unit. STB32, upon receiving the viewer response, passes the key event to the Joina Ride Application that reacts to the returned command and may displayto the viewer a feedback of his choices. In one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, upon receiving the command provided by theviewer, the Join a Ride Application manages a ride registration data orR,N pair locally in a memory within the STB 32, such as an HTML Cookieor the like. Next, the Ride Application accesses the registration datasaved within STB 32 memory in order to determine the current ride theSTB 32 is a member of.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary screen displays showing the on-screenselection process in a gap filler channel having more than one ride. AJoin a Ride and Ride Application displayed on screens 550 and 554.Screen display 550 shows a viewer with text and graphics 552. Text andgraphics 552 is provided in an overlay manner by STB unit as shown inFIG. 8. Text and graphics 552 is an Application presenting the viewerwith an offer to join a Ride from three Ride available for selection onthe gap filler channel viewed. The viewer is invited to press a colorkey or the like in the remote control unit. As can be viewed in screendisplay 550 the Text and graphics 552 is covering only part of thescreen and enables the viewer to continue watching the programbroadcasted prior to the appearance of text and graphics 552. Thegraphic overlay created by the Application can be displayed in anyshape, color, size or position. Screen display 554 presents a viewerwith text and graphics 556. Text and graphics 556 provided by STB unitas shown in FIG. 8. Text and graphics 556 is an Application presentingthe viewer with information on the current Ride the STB has joined and amessage describing the next channel that the STB is about to tuneautomatically to, according to the Ride. The viewer does not need to usethe RCU in order to the STB to tune to channel 3. Text and graphics 556is optional and may be turned off by the viewer or by the Operator. Ascan be viewed in screen display 556 the text and graphics 556 iscovering only part of the screen and enables the viewer to continuewatching the program broadcasted prior to the appearance of text andgraphics 556. The graphic overlay created by the Application can bedisplayed in any shape, color, size or position or not at all (nographics or text). The Application can contain multiple text andgraphics screens, other text phrases as well as audio, video and othersthat include direct messages to a viewer. The user may make hisselection using a remote control unit, a selection device such as amouse device, or via touch screen and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates the configuration of the channel rider server 570responsible for handling the cross channel Routes built by the Operator.The channel rider server 570 may be implemented as a stand-alonecomputer connected to the Operator head end through standardcommunication means such as LAN, WAN, the Internet and the like or as asoftware module in an existing system within the Operator head end suchas the traffic and planning device 564. Channel rider server 570includes a storage device 572, a channel rider program 574, an interface576 as well as a processor device (not shown), a communication device(not shown), an operating system (not shown), an input and outputdevices (not shown). The Channel rider server 570 uses the main clocksystem distributed through interface 576 from Operator head end 560 suchas Network Time Protocol in order to be in synchronization with theOperator head end 560 systems (not shown). The communication deviceprovides the communication through a standard communication networkssuch as LAN, WAN, the Internet, and the like to the head end 560. Thechannel rider program 574 includes channel rider server applications andmay also include a channel rider database that uses storage device 572to store database information. As described in association with Tables1-3 above, the Routes, Timing, and Channels information are stored inthe storage device 572. The storage device 572 includes all data relatedto channels and program schedule, Routes, Rides available and the likethat can be provided by the present invention. The channel rider program574 retrieves television program schedule from traffic and planningdevice 564 from interface 576 and uploads, in a timely manner, to theapplication transmission device 562 the application code and data. Theprocessing of channel rider program 574 includes, but is not limited to,define the channels that a Route can use for building a Ride, Build aRoute, handle multiple Routes, Change or update a Route, Manage Join aRide Application generation and Ride Application, set parameters andconfiguration.

In an alternative embodiment, an application is automatically addingevents, according to a selected route, to the EPG booking mechanism. TheEPG booking mechanism, uses the EPG to present on-screen the televisionprograms schedule such as in a table format as shown in FIG. 1,typically for the next 24 hours or more, to enable the viewer tomanually select and book a reminder to a future program using the remotecontrol. The booking information is stored by the EPG within the STBmemory, typically non-volotile RAM in a format such as: Service_ID(Channel), Event_ID (Program). A short time before the booked televisionprogram starts, the viewer receives a reminder in the form of EPGoverlay banner that informs on the upcoming booked program. The vieweris then given an option to discard the reminder or to allow themechanism to automatically tune to a channel when the booked programstarts and the like. In this embodiment, the channel rider server 46creates a list of one or more Service_ID (Channel) and Event_ID(Program) pairs according to the Route in the same format the EPGbooking mechanism uses and conveys the list to the Join a Rideapplication. After the Join a Ride application is loaded to a STB in oneof the ways described above it adds the list to the memory spaceallocated for the EPG booking. Since the EPG booking mechanism tunesfrom channel to channel according to the booking list, there is no needfor a Ride Application. One skilled in the art can appreciate that theLeave a ride Application can be loaded similar to the Join a Rideapplication in order to erase the booking list or the viewer can use theEPG to manually erase the booking list or discard the reminders.

In another embodiment, the channel rider server 570 interfaces with thetransmission matrix 563 in order to build a Route. In this embodiment,the channel rider server 570 operation is similar to the preferredembodiment except that instead of creating interactive Application codeand data and loading such code and data for broadcast, the channel rideserver 570 instructs the transmission matrix 563 to switch inputs tooutputs according to the Route. TABLE 4

For example, if the transmission matrix 563 is build described in table4 above, the channel rider server 570 can instruct the transmissionmatrix 563 to switch programs as provided in table 5 below. TABLE 5

In the exemplary table 5 Output 1 is fed from Input 2, Output 2 is fedfrom Input 4 and Output 3 is fed from Input 3. Depending on the Route,at a destined time, the channel rider server 570 may instruct thetransmission matrix 570 to change the connections as shown in table 6below. TABLE 6

As shown in the exemplary table 6, Output 1 is fed by Input 5, Output 2is fed with Input 1 while Output 3 remains unchanged with Input 3. Inthis way, the Outputs are channels built by the plurality of inputchannels according to the Route defined in the channel rider server 570.

In this embodiment, all the viewer must do is tune to the channelassigned to any of the outputs of the matrix and view the channel as anyother channel. This embodiment requires additional channel to bebroadcast, which creates duplicate transmission and double bandwidthconsumption.

1. Within a digital television environment comprising an operator headend, a distribution network, at least one set-top box, the set-top boxis communicatively associated with at least one viewing device, a methodfor using interactive applications within a digital televisionenvironment, the method comprising the steps of: tuning the at least oneset top box to a predetermined channel for downloading and executing aninteractive application for providing at least one route compilation forthe predetermined channel; storing the route number assigned to the atleast one route in the at least one set top box; loading and storing thechannel number associated with the at least one route number stored inthe at least one set top box; and tuning to the channel numberassociated with the at least one route number for broadcasting theprogram associated with the at least one route.
 2. The method as claimedin claim 1 further comprising the steps of: broadcasting a programtermination interactive application upon the completion of the programassociated with the at least one route; retrieving from the at least oneset top box the at least one route and channel number stored therewithin and associated with the at least one route; determining thechannel currently viewed; retrieving a next channel number and time ofnext viewing associated with the route number stored in the at least oneset top box if the channel number currently viewed is identical to thechannel number stored in the at least one set top box; and tuning to thenext channel number at the time of next viewing associated with theroute number for broadcasting the program associated with the at leastone route.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps ofdisplaying on the viewing device a selection of routes to be selectedfrom for viewing in association with the predetermined channel.
 4. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising the step of clearing the at leastone set top box memory if the channel number viewed is not the channelnumber stored in the at least one set top box.
 5. The method of claim 2further comprising the viewer selecting an at least one route from theselection of a plurality of route presented to him through the use of aremote control unit or a selection device.
 6. The method of claim Ifurther comprising the step of broadcasting a connecting sequence on thepredetermined channel.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein thepredetermined channel is a gap filler channel.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the route number is assigned by a channel router server.
 9. Themethod of claim 6 wherein the connecting sequence provides anintroduction to the next program to be viewed in accordance with thenext channel and viewing time.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein theconnecting sequence length is the length between the time of ending ofthe program associated with the route and the time of next viewingassociated with the route number stored in the at least one set top box.11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determiningwhether an overlapping programs exist within the at least one route. 12.The method of claim 11 wherein the step of determining further comprisesthe step of starting to view the next program at the end of the firstprogram or at the beginning of the next program.
 13. The method of claim1 wherein the interactive application is loaded into an electronicprogramming guide application located in the at least one set top box.14. The method of claim 13 the electronic programming guide applicationtuning from channel to channel according to a booking list.
 15. Within adigital television environment comprising an operator head end, adistribution network, at least one set-top box, the set-top box iscommunicatively associated with at least one viewing device an apparatusfor using interactive applications within a digital televisionenvironment, the apparatus comprising an interactive application loadedand executed within the at least one set-top box processing aninteractive application for automatic channel changing synchronizingaccording to information downloaded from a cross channel schedulerserver.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a cross channelserver for building cross-channel programming route options loaded intothe interactive applications and sent.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16wherein the routes comprise routes based on existing television scheduleand gaps in programming provided by connecting sequences distributed ona predetermined channel.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 furthercomprising a data storage, the data storage comprising of routes, eachroute comprising the associated channels and times of viewing to bedownloaded to the at least one set top box.
 19. The apparatus of claim17 wherein the route and route Route information instructs the at leastone set top box to tune from one program to another at a defined timeaccording to the information predefined in the route.
 20. The apparatusof claim 16 wherein the cross channel server generates route informationof the interactive application to be downloaded to the at least one settop box.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the cross channel servercomprises a channel rider program for retrieving television programschedule.
 22. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the interactiveapplication is loaded into an electronic programming guide applicationlocated in the at least one set top box.
 23. The method of claim 23 theelectronic programming guide application tuning from channel to channelaccording to a booking list.
 24. The apparatus of claim 15 furthercomprising an overlapping programs route handler for determining theroute viewing in case of overlapping programs.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 24 wherein the overlapping programs route handler provides theoption for either start viewing a next program at the end of the firstprogram or at the beginning of the next program.